Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors approved a final resolution for financial assistance for a mixed-use development which will include six market-rate units in the town of Pembroke at its board meeting on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

The $1.7 million project by J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC includes the construction a 14,000 sq. ft. two-story building on 2.6 acres at the 67-acre Buffalo East Technology Park. There will be a 7,000 sq. ft. flexible layout for commercial tenants on the first floor and the six 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments on the second floor. The project is located adjacent to Yancey’s Fancy’s facilities on Brickhouse Drive.

J&R Fancher Property Holdings LLC will receive $254,336 of financial assistance that includes sales, mortgage, and property tax abatements. The project is estimated to create a $4-to-$1 return on investment for Genesee County in addition to increased commercial and residential benefits in the town of Pembroke. A public hearing on the proposed agreement was held on October 5, 2021.

“We continue to build a critical mass of infrastructure, including housing at the intersection of Routes 5 and 77 in Pembroke which is an important thoroughfare in Genesee County with easy access to the New York State Thruway,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde.  “This growth in turn is generating new jobs, private sector capital investment and revenues for our local government partners.”

Byron-Bergen Central School will be getting major structural upgrades thanks to the 182 district residents who voted to approve a $17 million capital project Thursday.

District Superintendent Patrick McGee expressed his appreciation for those 226 people that took the time to vote. The final tally was 182 yes to 44 no. 

“We are all very proud of this district and the work completed on this project will reflect that pride,” McGee said in a news release issued later Thursday night. 

The project’s total tab of $17,107,802 is to cover improvements to the Elementary and Junior-Senior High schools, the natatorium and bus garage. A capital reserve fund and debt service payments will finance the plan and are not to cost district taxpayers anything in a “tax neutral” strategy.

State building aid accounts for 74.1 percent of the cost, with 8.5 percent in capital reserve funds and 17.4 percent in debt service. 

Work is to include swimming pool locker room renovations, boiler plant replacement, domestic water upgrades and pool equipment upgrades; athletic field improvements, track restoration, soccer stadium lighting replacement and roofing replacements at the Junior-Senior High School; and a new boiler plant and domestic water system upgrades at the Elementary School. 

Work on the project is estimated to begin in 2023. For details, go to www.bbschools.org/CapitalImprovementProject.aspx

Press release:

Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden prepare for their annual Basket Raffle fundraiser to be held on Saturday, October 23rd during the FALL FESTIVAL sponsored by All Babies Cherished.  The event with taking place at the Batavia City Center.  All proceeds from the Basket Raffle will benefit the Batavia Peace Garden.  Barb Toal, President of the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden “we have assembled a fantastic line up of over sixty gifts and gift baskets just in time for the holidays.  There is something for everyone.  Many unique gifts, multi-generational, designer handbags, artwork, jewelry, pet friendly, handmade & seasonal, toys, and fine collectibles.  The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free.  There will be more than 70 vendors present throughout the mall.  The festival will feature food and entertainment.  Bring the whole family.”

Submitted Photo: Dona Tiberio, Barb Toal, Ida Monachino, Berneds Scoins, Louise Wallace, Carol Grosso, MaryJo Dumuhosky, Dianna Bogue, Paula Savage

Press release:

Now in its third year, Richmond Reads is the community one-book program for the Richmond Memorial Library community. Meant to bring the community together through a shared reading experience, this year’s selection is The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin.

The 2021 Richmond Reads program is in full swing with a busy schedule of events and discussions centered on this year’s selection. A story of hope, found family and reconciliation, The Music of Bees is Eileen Garvin’s first novel and was published in April of 2021.  When three strangers find themselves thrown together by chance on a honeybee farm, they discover more than they ever expected- in the bees and in each other.

Copies of the book can be borrowed through Richmond Memorial Library or accessed through the library’s OverDrive app as an eBook or audiobook. Copies are also available to purchase at the library for $15, cash or check.

Programs and events:

The Music of Bees Book Discussions- Wednesday, October 13 at 9 am,  Saturday, October 16 at 10 am  or Monday, October 18 at 6:30 pm: Join us for a discussion of The Music of Bees!  The only requirement to attend a book discussion is to read the book! All discussions will take place at the library. No registration required.

Richmond Reads Reel Discussions- Thursday, October 14 at 6 pm:  Join us at the library for a screening of The Vanishing of the Bees (2009), followed by a discussion. This documentary “takes a piercing investigative look at the economic, political and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee.” (imdb.com) No registration is required.

Virtual Author Visit! Thursday, October 21 at 7 pm: Author Eileen Garvin will visit from Oregon via Zoom. She will present a book talk and answer questions! Those who are unable to access Zoom from home are invited to watch the program at the library. Please register for either viewing option by calling 585-343-9550 x3 or at batavialibrary.org. Three winners will be randomly chosen from registered attendees to win a signed copy of the book! Winners or a representative must be able to pick up their prize from the library. Registration is required.

Richmond Reads Review Contest: Write a review of The Music of Bees for a chance to win a copy of the book signed by the author and $50 to a local restaurant! All rules, information, and the review form can be found at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads or at the reference desk at the library. Firm submission deadline: Monday, October 18 at 5 pm. Submissions will be reviewed anonymously by the Richmond Reads Committee and two winners will be chosen. Winners or a representative must be able to pick up their prize from the library.

Richmond Reads is sponsored by The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.  For more, visit batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads. Questions about the program can be directed to Community and Adult Services Librarian and Richmond Reads coordinator Samantha Basile at 585-343-9550 x8.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the city of Batavia. For more events and information, visit batavialibrary.org or find us on Facebook at Richmond Memorial Library or Instagram @batavialibrary.

Article and photos by Glenn Adams

The Honor Guard was established to provide Military Honors in funeral services for veterans from any of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Western New York National Cemetery Honor Guard for Genesee County is looking for volunteers to help with that important task.

The National Cemetery, located in Pembroke, has become the final resting place for over 600 veterans so far this year. Opened late last year, it provides a place where loved ones can say their final farewells, and thereafter, visit the grave as often as they desire.

They average about 3 funerals a day there, Monday through Friday, and occasionally have one on Saturday. An Honor Guard is there in the summer heat, wintery blasts, and everything in between, honoring those who have given at least a part of their lives for their country.

I witnessed my first funeral there last week. The Honor Guard was on hand to do their part in making a difficult time a little easier for family and friends. John Case was there then, an ex-Marine He was laid to rest his father, who had served in the Air Force. The ritual flag folding, gun salutes, taps, and expressions of gratitude for his father’s service from a grateful nation, lent an air of gravity to the proceedings.

The Genesee County detail, which takes the Monday services, is made up of 47 volunteers, although the numbers dwindle as snowbirds leave for the south each fall, and other commitments take volunteers away from week to week. Tuesday’s Honor Guard is from Orleans County, Wednesday, from Wyoming County, Thursday from Erie County, and Friday’s Honor Guard is made up of Vets from the various surrounding counties served by the Cemetery. Carl Hyde, a Navy Veteran and in charge of the Genesee County Guard, tells me that the last Monday of each month is a service for unclaimed Vets.

But they need help from Veterans in the area who can give a little time to help the families of their fellow soldiers. Who can help out? Anyone with an honorable discharge from the military is eligible. You don’t need to be a part of any Veteran’s organization. There is no requirement for attendance each week. Some vets are only available once or twice a month. Right now they’re stretched pretty thin on some days, for the south is calling some for the winter, and none are getting any younger.

For more information on how you can help, stop by the Batavia American Legion, 8969 Alexander Rd on Saturday, October 9th from 1-4 pm or call Carl Hyde at 585.356.2658. If you are from another county, he can put you in touch with a person from your county to contact.

Press release:

Roger K. Brinkman was arrested for the above-listed charges. In the year 2000, Brinkman allegedly forcibly raped a female who was (a young teenager) at the time of the alleged crime. Brinkman was arraigned before Judge Rogers at Batavia City Court and held on $50,000 A, $100,000 B, $300,000 partially secured bond. 

Press  release:

City of Batavia officials and community leaders were joined by leaders from National Grid to commemorate the installation of four new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The stations were made possible through National Grid’s Make-Ready Electric Vehicle program, which funds electricity infrastructure costs associated with new EV charging stations for its upstate electric business customers.

For the Batavia stations – two located at Mancuso Bowling Center, 214 East Main St. and two at The City Church, 210 E. Main St. – National Grid’s program covered more than 90 percent of the infrastructure costs to install the stations.

“The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District Board of Directors was excited to pursue this project and are thrilled to see four EV charging locations within our downtown,” said Beth Kemp, executive director, Batavia Business Improvement District (BID). “We would not have been able to move forward with these progressive additions to our downtown without the assistance of National Grid, NYSERDA, Rick Mancuso, and Marty Macdonald. Thank you to all partners involved.”

“Electric vehicle adoption is on the rise in New York State, and EV charging stations are a great way to attract employees, and also a great way to attract and retain new customers,” said Paul Gister, customer and community engagement manager, National Grid, who added that the stations have become more popular among landlords seeking to attract and retain tenants, as well as helping New York State achieve its energy targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

National Grid’s EV charging program is available for businesses, multi-unit residential buildings and retail stores, as well as parks and vacation destinations.  The company also offers a program for companies looking to electrify their fleets, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and meet the de-carbonization goals of the states where the utility operates.

“These programs include incentives for customers who have an eye on the future, who support clean energy initiatives, and are providing a necessity for the vehicles that will take us there,” Gister said. “Initiatives like these are at the heart of how we collaborate with customers and significantly impact our communities and community partners. These kinds of collaborations are central to our Project C initiative, which was created to inspire change and create a more equitable future for our customers and communities.”

Added Rick Mancuso, owner of Mancuso Bowling Center and TF Brown’s Restaurant, “We were presented with an opportunity to provide EV charging stations through programs offered by National Grid and NYSERDA through the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District. We believe that with the increase of electric car sales there will be a need for stations and at the same time, these stations will drive traffic to the downtown area as well as the surrounding businesses. We’d like to thank Beth Kemp and the BID for their support of not only this project but also, all that the organization does for the Batavia Business Improvement District.”

“The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is proud to promote, support, and connect our local business and tourism communities. We believe passionately in collaborations that enhance our abilities to live, work and play in Genesee County,” said Erik Fix, president, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful for our partnership with National Grid and the BID and appreciate them working together to bring EV Car Charging Stations to downtown Batavia. Congratulations to both organizations and thank you to National Grid for continuing to invest in our community!”

Photos by Howard Owens

City of Batavia management is looking for a “forward-thinking community leader” in the form of a company, organization or even an individual wishing to secure the naming rights for the Batavia Ice Arena at 22 Evans St.

Assistant City Manager Jill Wiedrick today released a six-page Request for Proposal titled “Batavia Ice Arena Naming Rights” that gives potential arena sponsors until Nov. 5 to submit proposals outlining why their name should be associated with the 43-year-old ice hockey and skating facility.

According to the RFP, revenue from naming rights will be used to make functional and aesthetic improvements inside, and on the exterior of the arena. Applicants are asked to provide one or more names for consideration in their proposal.

Terms and financial obligations to the sponsor stipulate a five-year commitment, but do not include a set annual fee to be paid to the city.

Wiedrick said the manager’s office is leaving the yearly (or five-year) financial contribution up to the sponsor, and will consider the amount offered along with other factors.

When asked if the applicant had to be located in the city or Genesee County, she said that wasn’t the case “since we just don’t know what sort of interest is out there.”

“We’re going to be reviewing all of these submissions to figure out what is the best one that works for the City of Batavia,” she said.

Individuals are welcome to apply, Wiedrick said.

“It could be anyone … but more often than not, with any ice arena or anything that’s going out for naming rights, it does tend to be associated with a business.”

The RFP indicates that the city owns the arena and Firland Management operates it.

It also spells out benefits and opportunities at the facility, which hosts youth, high school and adult hockey competition and open skating events, with annual attendance at more than 70,000.

“Your sponsorship will position your company as a forward-thinking community leader,” it reads, emphasizing ways to promote the brand and “build positive associations through special events, league play, community experiences, traditions, and memories made at the Ice Arena!”

Exterior and interior signage will be permitted, as well as the promotion of the company (organization, individual’s) name on the City of Batavia website and all marketing materials.

The selected sponsor also will be able to hold two private events up to two hours each – one in the fall/winter and the other in the spring/summer.

Sponsor responsibilities include:

• Signage development, design and production, with approval by the City of Batavia, and contracting and paying for all work relative to the installation of all exterior and interior signage.

• Ongoing maintenance and bulb replacement in a timely manner for the signs that are located on the exterior of the building. All other signs in the facility once installed are the responsibility of the City of Batavia.

• Promotion of advertising opportunities that may include additional revenue or marketing benefits to support the ice arena.

• Presentation of a strategy to increase awareness of the facility’s new name (a key component of the proposal) and to present a strategy to facilitate complete use of the new name prior to the start of 2022.

The RFP, which will be distributed to businesses by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, also includes requirements for successful submission and criteria for evaluation.

The rink formerly was known as Falleti Ice Arena.

File photo. Thanksgiving holiday open skate at Batavia Ice Arena.

Genesee County and the 31 members of American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees union have reached a five-year contract agreement that calls for a 5 percent salary increase in 2022 and annual raises of at least 2 ½ percent after that.

County Manager Matt Landers today said a tentative agreement was reached about six weeks ago, leading to a favorable vote by union employees.

The pact was approved by the County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday and is scheduled to be ratified by the full legislature next week.

Landers said the county agreed to the 5 percent raise plus 53-cent hourly wage increase for the first year after research showed that Genesee was paying less than comparable municipalities.

“We recognized that and attempted to correct that, understanding that we’re dealing with a shrinking labor pool,” Landers explained.

Pay increases in 2023 and 2024 are set at 2 ½ percent and in 2025 and 2026 are set at 3 percent. Union members’ share of health insurance premiums will go up from 9 percent to 15 percent over the life of the contract.

The 31 AFSCME (Council 66, Local 392) workers are highway department and facilities maintenance employees, Landers said.

In other action, the committee approved the appointment of Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Brabon to the Genesee County Youth Board.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Ways & Means Committee meeting at the Old County Courthouse, Marianne Clattenburg said any list of ways to spend the $1 million or so expected to be distributed to Genesee County should start with initiatives supporting county units, such as the Youth Bureau, Mental Health and the Sheriff’s Office.

“This isn’t really that much money. And I think between the Youth Bureau, and their prevention efforts, and Mental Health and the issues that have arrived, especially with children and therapies that are going on because they’re dealing with drug abuse of parents and foster parents (would be the best use of the funds).”

Clattenburg said substance use and its effect upon other areas of society warrant immediate attention.

“I think there’s enough need inside the county that those stakeholders need to be focused on – those dollars staying in the county before we talk about other agencies …” she said. “I’m just concerned that outside agencies … are already asking how much money they’re going to get from this.”

County Manager Matt Landers responded by saying that representatives of Genesee County Mental Health, Sheriff’s Office, Public Health and Youth Bureau would be on the committee.

In a story posted on The Batavian on Monday, Landers said that Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, an outside agency that receives some funding from the county, and possibly other non-county organizations, will be involved.

Contacted today, he said the committee “will be weighted in favor of Genesee County departments," but will include John Bennett, GCASA executive director.

“It’s a fluid process,” Landers said. “As we move forward, we may see more partners to bring to the table.”

He said the first committee meeting is scheduled for later this month.

Ways & Means Committee members were asked to consider a resolution approving a proposed settlement with McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Corporation, and their multiple subsidiaries – the “Big 3 Distributors” – that could result in the county receiving anywhere from $1,055,674 to $1,864,833, with payments made over 18 years.

County Attorney Kevin Earl said the New York City law firm of Napoli Shkolnik, which is representing municipalities across the state, “brought a number of actions not only against the people who manufacture the opioids, but the distributors – claiming that they violated certain laws by not accounting for where this stuff was going. In other words, they contributed to the proliferation of the opioid crisis.”

Earl said the monetary amount depends upon how many communities participate in the class action proceedings.

“Just like the other (Johnson & Johnson) settlement, (it comes) with a sliding scale,” he said. “The more people that … sign on to join the settlement, the more Big 3 Distributors are willing to pay because their exposure lessens. The likelihood is pretty high that we will get the high end of the settlement.”

Funds received have to be targeted toward substance use treatment, prevention, training and enforcement, he added.

“Within those categories, there is some flexibility but we can’t spend the money for water funds or bridge funds.”

While Earl said this money is addition to funds from the J&J settlement, it is unclear exactly how much the county will receive at this point.

Landers said he and Earl will be speaking with the attorneys representing the county in this matter to determine the dollar figure, but estimates an award of at least $1.3 million.

The county manager said the plan is to meet with all stakeholders and make recommendations that would be forwarded to the legislature.

The first payment is expected in February 2022, Earl said.

Previously: NYS AG reports that Genesee County is in line for up to $1 million in opioid settlement funding

William Anthony Nicholas, 28, of Telegraph Road, Medina, is charged with promoting prison contraband. Nicholas allegedly possessed contraband while being held in the Genesee County Jail. The type of contraband was not identified in the press release. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael Patrick Caito, 30, of South Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI.  Caito was reportedly involved in a multi-vehicle accident at 7:04 p.m., Oct. 4, on  Route 33 in Bergen. He was charged with several other, unspecified,  traffic violations.  His vehicle allegedly crossed over the double center line and struck two vehicles. He then reportedly left the scene and continued eastbound and was located a distance away from where his vehicle had become disabled. He was issued an appearance ticket.

The Genesee County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday threw its support behind a pair of local laws designed to relax residency requirements for the county’s seasonal and laterally transferring sheriff’s deputies.

County Attorney Kevin Earl, at the committee’s meeting at the Old County Courthouse, introduced resolutions calling for adoption of local laws that would supersede Section 3(1) of the New York State Public Officer Law.

Section 3(1) of the Public Officer Law states that no person shall be capable of holding a civil office, which includes deputy sheriffs, unless at the time he or she shall be chosen for employment they are a permanent resident of the political subdivision or municipal corporation of the state for which he or she shall be chosen (in this case, Genesee County).

In the area of seasonal deputies, Local Law Introductory No. 4, Year 2021 would expand the residency territorial area to include Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Livingston and Wyoming counties.

Seasonal sheriff’s deputies are defined as those hired for a fixed period of time not to exceed 90 days to work for a specific purpose, and must be fully trained with New York State Police Officer certification.

“A lot of this is driven by (Six Flags) Darien Lake needing additional employees,” Earl said.

Genesee County Undersheriff Brad Mazur said that permanent county sheriff’s deputies would be considered first for seasonal security work at Darien Lake, followed by seasonal deputies who live in Genesee County.

“Then, if we still couldn’t fill it, we would go outside to the contiguous counties,” he said, adding that two or three City of Batavia Police officers provided coverage at the theme park last year.

All costs for these seasonal deputies are covered by Darien Lake, Mazur said.

Concerning lateral transfers, Local Law Introductory No. 5, Year 2021 would expand the permanent residency requirement timeframe for a lateral police officer transfer to a Genesee County deputy sheriff position “to ensure an adequate pool of qualified applicants” by giving transfers six months after their hiring date to find a home in Genesee County.

Qualifications include current employment as a fully trained and certified police officer in New York and meeting all requirement of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Earl said that the mandate to reside in Genesee County within six months would be a condition of the deputy’s employment, meaning that the deputy could be fired outside of an arbitration process if the requirement is not met.

Previously, the county stipulated that transferring officers had to live in Genesee for two months before beginning employment.

Both Local Laws require public hearings, which have been scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Old County Courthouse.

Press release:

This Friday, October 8th, the Batavia Football players, Boosters and Community Schools will join together in a Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta Stadium prior to the BHS football game.  The Batavia Blue Devils play Honeoye-Falls Lima at 7 pm.   Help support your community by bringing donations for the Family and Community Engagement Center’s Community Closet! Any non-perishable food or hygiene item donation enters you to win four season passes to Six Flags Darien Lake- good for the remainder of this season to enjoy Fright Fest and Magic of Lights: A festive holiday light extravaganza!

Then on Saturday, October 16, the Batavia Bulldawgs and Community Schools will be hosting another Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta during their games at 1, 3, 5 and 7 pm.  

At both events, we will be collecting items at the main entrance to the stadium.    All items collected will be distributed locally as needed.

Pictured with District Social Worker Julie Wasilewski are BHS Football players Abel Hammer, Aidan Anderson, and Carter Wasilewski

There were no injuries reported after a Mercy Flight helicopter a hard landing in heavy fog at the Genesee County Airport on Wednesday night.

The Bell 429 was returning from Strong Memorial Hospital, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The helicopter sustained damage to the underside of the fuselage after it landed on the north side of the airport, just north of the flightline, between State Street Road and Bank Street Road.

The crew members were transported to an area hospital for evaluation as a precaution.

The FAA  will investigate the incident along with Sgt. Andrew Hale, Deputy Kyle Krzemien and Deputy Morgan Ewert.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS responded to the scene.

Information and photos via Alecia Kaus/Video  News Service.

Press release:

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting the last FREE drive-thru anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2021 on Thursday, October 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).

“Rabies is a fatal, but preventable viral disease that can spread to people from pets if they are bitten and scratched by an infected animal with rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “We encourage residents to take advantage of our last anti-rabies immunization clinic of 2021 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.

Face coverings are recommended and please follow all social distancing requirements.

To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.

For more information, please contact the Genesee County Health Department:  585-344-2580 x.5555 or Health.Dept@co.genesee.ny.us.

According to the report submitted by Lorie Longhany and Richard Siebert, Democratic and Republican commissioners, respectively:

“With our county judge, district attorney and six legislative seats on the ballot without opposition, it is difficult to achieve voter enthusiasm. There will be some contested races in the City of Batavia (Council at Large) and several of our towns but certainly not countywide.”

Siebert predicts that early voting -- as was the case in June’s primary elections when only six residents voted prior to election day – will not generate much activity.

“Without real opposition and gas prices the way they are, realistically, who’s going to come from Le Roy, who’s going to come from Darien for early voting? It’s just not going to happen,” he said.

Early voting for the Nov. 2 General Election will take place at the ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Rd., Batavia, starting on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Dates and times are as follows:

• Oct. 23-24, noon to 5 p.m.
• Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Oct. 26-27, noon to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 28-29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Oct. 30-31, noon to 5 p.m.

Longhany said that for early voting “the even years are going to be the trouble years, (and) odd years are going to be the easy years.”

Siebert agreed, noting that parking at the ARC location is limited.

Currently, they are looking for another site in the city for 2022 early voting, while advising the committee that they are “aware of legislation which may require our early voting to expand from nine days to 15 days – which we could take advantage of during presidential elections but not local ones as we experienced this past June.”

Longhany said training has been completed for more than 200 poll workers, who will be subject to following the county’s COVID-19 protocol that calls for mask wearing unless proof of vaccination is provided. She said the workers are “very loyal” while Siebert added that they are well paid, receiving $290 for the full election day.

Siebert reported no safety or health issues in June, but acknowledged that the process was “tough for all of us.”

“Everything we do at the Board of Elections is very cyclical,” he said. “Last year we had a presidential election with 75 percent of the vote coming out. It was tough. We had to protect our workers, we had to protect our voters (while abiding by COVID-19 restrictions). We got through it.”

Another issue moving forward, Longhany said, is that the county’s number of permanent absentee voters has increased from 500 to 1,100, which – with the change to “no excuse” absentee ballots -- will create more work for their office.

Key dates for registration are as follows:

• Oct. 8, Mail Registration for General: Last day to postmark application for general election; it must also be received by board of elections by Oct. 13.

• Oct. 8, In-person registration for General: Last day application must be received by board of elections to be eligible to vote in general election. If honorably discharged from the military or have become a naturalized citizen since Oct. 8, you may register in person at the board of elections up until Oct. 23.

• Oct. 13, Changes of address for General received by this date must be processed.

CLICK HERE for a list of county races and candidates.

Residents of Byron-Bergen Central School will have an opportunity to cast a yay or nay vote tomorrow on the district’s proposed capital project for more than $17 million. 

The vote is from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Junior-Senior High School cafeteria, 6917 West Bergen Rd. 

School officials have said that the majority of the project  will use available state building aid to pay the cost of the $17,107,802 project. The District’s capital reserve fund, which is designated to be used exclusively for capital improvement projects, will pay for $2 million of the “local share.” The remainder of the project’s cost will be offset by retiring debt service payments, resulting in a “tax neutral” financing plan, officials say. All that is to say that it won’t directly impact school taxpayers.

This project is for improvements to the Elementary School, Junior-Senior High School, the natatorium (indoor swimming pool) and the bus garage. Priority has been given to “asset protection, healthy building initiatives, energy efficiency, and programmatic enhancement,” district officials say. These improvements will further district goals to provide quality, well-maintained buildings, infrastructure and facilities, district materials state. 

A Question and Answer section on the district’s website covers:

• Why the district has proposed this capital project (short answer: to ensure proper upkeep, make necessary repairs and spend the money now versus having more costly work and deterioration in the future);
• How it was developed (through a long-range plan and required five-year state-mandated building surveys to assess and complete vital upgrades to preserve the current infrastructure); 
• Money that comes from state taxpayers (It is true that taxpayers have put money into the pot, and the district believes that doing this project would keep some of those dollars locally to benefit the Byron-Bergen school district);
• When this project will begin (Once the State Education Department approves the project’s initial phase, expected by fall 2022, work would begin in early 2023 with anticipated completion by fall 2024);
• What happens if the referendum is defeated (more critical safety requirements still need to be done and would be built into the annual budget, meaning that eventually, school taxpayers would bear the full cost. It’s a do-it-now or spends more later proposition).

A public information meeting was conducted on Sept. 30, but for those that missed it, project details can also be found at www.bbschools.org. 

 

As one of only about three dozen Level 3 arboretums as classified by the industry’s leading accreditation organization, Draves Arboretum – featuring 800 different species over 27 acres on Sharrick Road in Darien – has a significant role in the protection, education and appreciation of trees.

About 30 people who took part in the 31^st annual Decision-Maker’s Agriculture Forum sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce found that out this morning as they heard a presentation from and were led on a walking tour by Tom Draves, facility president and curator.

Draves, who also has a tree and landscaping business, said he and his family have carefully and meticulously built the arboretum over the past four decades to its status as one of the best in the world.

After forming a board of directors and establishing itself as a not-for-profit corporation, Draves Arboretum earned the Level 3 endorsement in 2019 through The Morton Arboretum’s ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program.

“There are hundreds and hundreds of arboretums that they have accredited and there’s only about 35 in the world that are Level 3; it’s a giant hurdle,” Draves said. “With Level 3, you have to do a tremendous amount of education, you have to collaboration with other arboretums … and you have to have documented improvement and scientific research in the betterment of trees and shrubs.”

A member of several New York tree associations -- he’s even patented some species of trees, Draves said he embraces the chance to teach college students, mentioning that Niagara County Community College, Finger Lakes Community College and Alfred State College provides degree and certificate programs that require tree identification courses.

“We have had to introduce new trees to accommodate for the classes,” he said.

Draves said the property had just 40 trees at the beginning.

“We have a piece of property, approximately 27 acres, and where we are standing right now (in the Richards Complex conference center) was a cornfield,” he said. “Every single tree that you see here was planted; the right tree in the right spot.”

He said he was encouraged by colleagues to expand the arboretum, telling him that “there was no collection like this in Western New York and that he needed to take steps to move forward to preserve it …”

Over the years, new components have been added, he said, including a pond patio, The Fairway (shaped like a golf fairway with a bridge), The Sanctuary (along the entrance road), a gazebo, The Pinetum (featuring fir and spruce) and, most recently, the dwarf conifer garden.

Conifers are trees that bear cones and needle-like or scale-like leaves that are typically evergreen.

Just this year, the American Conifer Society designated that section, which has 30 to 40 conifers, as a “reference garden,” Draves said.

About 20 years ago, irrigation was installed throughout the facility – “Every tree can be reached with a 75-foot hose,” Draves said

The arboretum also has accreditation by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York, he said, giving it the same credentials as a school or college as an education facility.

“There are very few in New York State that are privately owned – most are an extension of a college or arboretum,” he advised.

He said expansion plans include a granite stone for the front entrance, an iron gate at the front, and a new bathroom facility.

Just prior to leading the tour, Draves reviewed the NYS Inherent Risk Law, warning participants to be aware of a dozen or so hazards on the land – things such as poison ivy, deep ponds, bridges with no handrails and depressions in the ground caused by the animals that also called the arboretum home.

Photo at top: Participants in today's Agriculture Forum sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce learn about the spruce tree on a tour conducted by Tom Draves of Draves Arboretum.

Tom Draves taking a close look at a 'Shiloh Splash' river birch.

A single-needle fir.

Cherry blossom.

Bristlecone pine.

Sassafras.

Crossing the bridge.

A black oak.

Golden larch.

Draves explaining the finer points of the honey locust.

In front of the 'Slender Silhouette' sweetgum tree.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.